When, how, and why to take a chance with color For some, taking a risk with color ranks up there with public speaking, singing karaoke, or stripping in public.
Sounds extreme, but consider the words of journalist and new homeowner Taffy Brodesser-Akner, who recounted what can only be described as a harrowing color selection process for Curbed in My Color Story. She says her interior design journey (she calls it was an existential crisis) was ?a story about chaos and tears and drugs that all centers around what color to paint some walls?.
Readers, that was over some gray and white paint shades. Imagine the stress a strong red hue could induce for the color shy.
This, the final installment in our series about painting and color selection, looks at designers who aren?t afraid to use bold color. (As interior designer Steven Favreau said, ?I don?t think color is ever a risk, but more like a fun day at the office.) As the following examples show, high risks can yield high rewards.
Richmond Green, Benjamin Moore
Designer Ann Lowengart?s client loves this color, and wanted to be totally enveloped in it. Lowengart fulfilled the wish by painting every wall surface?including the bookshelves and the moulding?in the hue. ?I think the biggest risk I took with this project was using such a saturated color all over the room,? the designer says. ?It feels vibrant and alive and is a perfect backdrop for this active young family. I guess the biggest reward is both the ?wow? factor as w...